Whatsa dongle?

[jack666]

Can someone point me toward a tutorial on dongles? and why they are needed.

 

[RetiredChief]

don·gle/ˈdäNGgəl/
Noun: A device that is connected to a computer to allow access to wireless broadband or use of protected software

More Info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_protection_dongle

 

[hunter315]

Any little thing that plugs into a computer, if its a USB receiver for a wireless mouse, or an adapter for a graphics card, its just something small that is useful and often necessary.

 

[13thmonkey]

In the old old old days they connected to a serial or parallel port and were used to ensure that you had legitimate license to use the software, i.e. without the hardware dongle the software would not work.

 

[RetiredChief]

^ "old old old"
Still using. Have a Parallel Port Dongle on computer @ work and Have one at home for a software Embroidery program Dongle. Were used mostly on high cost software.

But correct in that they are prety much outdated, replaced by requirement to activate software.